The Department of Transportation is currently investigating Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is adequately addressing consumer needs following a wave of flight cancellations stemming from a recent global tech outage.
On social media, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized that all airline passengers deserve fair treatment and stated he would ensure that such rights are upheld. He mentioned that the department has received numerous complaints regarding Delta’s handling of the situation created by the tech disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced significant challenges in restoring operations after a software update mishap from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike impacted businesses worldwide. A flaw in the update affected Microsoft’s Windows systems, leaving many corporate users without access and some experiencing critical errors.
The outage reverberated through nearly every major industry, including healthcare, delivery services, retail, and finance, with airlines and airports suffering particularly severe effects. On one day alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and more than 5,100 canceled, according to FlightAware, with Delta being the most affected.
Delta reported canceling around 3,500 flights over the weekend. By Monday, the airline had also canceled more than 2,500 flights and delayed an additional 3,441. As of Tuesday, 738 flights had been canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed regret for the disruptions, noting that canceling flights is always a last resort. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by travelers and stated that Delta is committed to connecting people around the world.
Bastian explained that Delta utilizes many applications reliant on Microsoft Windows, including a tool for crew tracking that was hindered by the tech issues. In response, Delta has issued a travel waiver allowing customers to change their flights without charge in addition to providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation assistance.